Staying Organized at Work

Photo from Orange County Organizing http://www.blog.orangecountyorganizer.com
I freely admit I’m a bit OCD. I like to have paper lists and electronic lists. I prefer to keep copies of paperwork for years just in case I might need it again some day. This has been worth it a few times, but really it just leaves a lot of clutter. Unless you have a really good system.

At home, I use pretty filing cabinets and file mail and such at least once a month if not once a week. At work, I make sure to file regularly and not let papers clutter my desk top.

I have check lists galore. Projects that need to be completed ASAP, projects that are on the back burner and projects not yet started. This way, I always have something to work on. I just make sure to check in with my supervisor regularly to make sure my list is still accurate.

Keeping a paper calendar with deadlines in my line of vision is very helpful for me to visualize how much time I have left on a project. While an electronic calendar (which I am a huge proponent of as indicated here), can send you reminders, some times the visual cue is the best way to reinforce a deadline.

I also love sticky notes. If I need to remind myself of something really quick or a point I don’t want to forget, I jot it down on a sticky note. I probably go through a stack every couple of weeks. The bright colors and fun shaped ones are my favorite.

What are some of the ways you keep organized and on task at work?